Scotts Valley driver makes smooth re-entry into USTCC racing

SONOMA -- Chris Lock expected to be a bit rusty when he got behind the wheel this year for the United States Touring Car Championship. After all, it had been more than three years since his last stint in the Grand Am-Koni Challenge.

But Lock slipped back into the groove like a well-oiled machine.

The Scotts Valley resident is not only the top rookie on the USTCC circuit, he is also sixth in points entering this weekend's doubleheader at the raceway in Sonoma. The weekend will be headlined by the FIA World Touring Car Championship's first-ever visit to the United States.

The USTCC will feature two 30-minute sprint races, scheduled for Saturday at 4:20 p.m. and Sunday at 3:45 p.m. The series features late-model compact sedans such as BMW, Mazda, Honda and others, and the engines produce between 250 and 300 horsepower. The series is based in Napa.

There is no doubt Lock, a software engineer for a start-up company called Peel in Mountain View, will be ready this weekend.

"I came in this year thinking I would have some rust, but I found that I really had not lost all that much," said Lock, 34, a father of three. "It's been pretty exciting, and the fact that I'm in the points race is a big deal."

His dramatic comeback has even caught the attention of his fellow racers.

"Chris has done a really good job for someone who has not raced in a few years," said driver Ali Arsham, who is second in points in the series. "He's a pretty tough competitor and someone we have to watch out for at every race."

Lock is just 80 points out of first place, which is occupied by Napa's Felipe Cabezas, with three events left on the calendar. It is not out of the question to think that Lock could win the championship in his Honda Prelude.

"I'm confident my car will be fast this weekend," Lock said. "I'll be ready to go."

In three races this year, Lock has posted three top-five efforts, including a win at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows. He also was fifth in Sonoma earlier this year and could have won if not for a fuel spill.

"That was a bad deal; we'll be better this time around," said Lock, who credits sponsor LeMans Karting Center of Fremont for much of his success.

As far as what's ahead after this season for Lock, that is unclear. With three children and a full-time job as a software engineer, it is challenging to find the time and the funds to keep his dream alive. Regardless, for now he's letting the good times roll.

"I'm really having a great time and I know it will continue this weekend," Lock said. "I'll give it everything I've got."